Washing and cleaning machine



May 12, 1942. a. KUHN WASHING AND CLEANING MACHINE 2 Sheets- Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 17, 1936 ll ll INVENTOR.

May 12, 1942. UH 2,282,332

WASHING AND. CLEANING momma I Filed Oct. 1'7, 1936 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR GEORGE K0 Patented May 1 52, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT 'oFFlc WASHING AND MACHINE George Kuhn, Talroma Park, Md., assignor to George Kuhn, Silver Spring, Md., Oscar S. Wilkinson, Washington, D. 0., and Lee Allan Swem, New York, N. Y., as trustees Application October 17, 1936, Serial No. 106,080

7 Claims. (Cl. 68-131) This invention relates to the washing and stantially-on line 2-2 of Fig. Land on an encleaning of fabrics and articles and more particlarged scale;

ularly to power driven washing and cleaning ma- Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view, on an enchines. larged scale, of the washing element and the parts immediately associated therewith;

The invention provides a washing and clean- 2 a ine of extremely simple construction Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken online 4 -4 of which provides all essential operations to eflect Fig. 3;

a pid and thorough cleaning or washing of the Fig. 5 is a partial vertical sectional view showarticles. These operations include circulation 0! ing another form of diaphragm for the washing the articles in the washing fluid, scrubbing and element, and

shaking of the articles, agitating and flexing of Fig. 6 is a partial vertical sectional view ilthe fabric of the articles and rapidly pulsating lustrating another arrangement for biasing the the fluid through the fabric. washing element.

The machine of the present invention includes Like characters ofreierence refer to the same a rapidly reciprocating washing element subor similar parts throughout the several views.

merged in the washing fluid, provided with one Referring tothe drawings, particularly to the or more circumferential projections or discs servmachine illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive, refing as scrubbing surfaces and as means providing erence character iii designates the tub of the a unidirectional flow or circulatory motion of the machine which is preferably cylindrical in form fluid whereby the articles being cleaned are suewith a closed bottom H and an opening [2 at cessively and repeatedly drawn into a scrubbing the top which may be closed by a hinged cover zone adjacent the washing element wherein they it. The tub it is secured to a supporting pedesare scrubbed and vigorously shaken. Additiom tal it which also serves to support the operating ally,the motion or the washing element produces mechanism for the washing element. sumciently vigorous pulsations which spread The washing element is rapidly reciprocated throughout the body of the fluid and serve to with relatively short strokes in the treating fluid loosen and remove dirt by rapidly flexing and contained in the tub, and includes one or more agitating the articles and pulsating the fluid scrubbing surfaces which also produce circulathrough the fabric. The washing element also tory motion of the washing fluid and pulsations functions to untangle any fabric or article which in the fluid which are sufficiently vigorous to flex may have become tangled with another or others and agitate flexible articles being treated and to during the washing action. cause the fluid to be forced through the fabric The intensity and rapidity of the'washing 2.0- of the articles. In the form shown in Figs. 1 tion may be readily varied by varying the stroke and 3, the washing element is provided with four or the speed of movement of the washing; elespaced projections or discs it, l'l, l8 and is rement or the rate at which it reciprocates, therespectively. In this instance, the discs are conby to produce as gentle or as vigorous in washstructed and arranged so as to cause the treating action as may be desired to suit the particuing fluid and the articles being treated, to circular type of fabric undergoing treatment. The late in general as indicated by the flow lines in structure of the washing element permits the use 40 Fig. 1, that is, toward the center oi the tub at of an elastic material which will preclude injury the lower end of the washing element, upwardly to fabrics. even with the most vigorous washing at the center and along the element through the action. The speed and direction of the circulascrubbing zone, which may be considered as the tion of the fluid and the articles being treated space immediately surrounding the washing elemay be altered by variations in the form and id ment, then radially outwardly from the 'upper size of the washing element. end or portion of. the element and downwardly The invention will be understood from the folat the wall or the peripheral portions of the tub. lowing description considered in connection with Although the washing element may be constructh ac omp drawings forming a part ed of rigid materials such as metal, hard rubber, thereof, and in which: Bakelite," etc., I prefer using elastic and flex- Fig. 1 is a more or less diagrammatic view in ible material such as live rubber, or suitable rubvertical section of a washing machine embodying ber composition reinforced with fabric, metal or the invention; other material where necessary. Greater circu- Fig. 2 is. a sectional view of the operating lation of the fluid and more gentle treatment of mechanism for the washing element, taken sub- .35- the articles is thus obtained. More specifically,

, the discs Is and n of the wasmi'ig element may be flexible rubber cups. These cups are disposed so as to be concave upwardly, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, and as they are reciprocated, the bottom of the cups flex and the walls, particularly 5 the upper edge Portions, expand and contract producing a pumping action which sucks the fluid and the articles at the bottom of the tub radially inwardly toward the washing element and into the scrubbing zone. Disc l8 should also be flexible but it should not possess the degree of concavity of cups l6 and I1. Instead it should have an upwardly inclined-flange on the order of that shown in Fig. 3, so arranged that it functions to take hold of the articles brought into the scrubbing zone by the cups l6 and I1 and to feed them upwardly in a series of relatively fast jerks toward the disc or discs above. Disc l9 should be semi-flexible, that is, more rigid than the lower discs and is constructed and arranged to slap or pound the articles moving upj wardly in the scrubbing zone and to push them and the treating'fluid radially outwardly toward the wall of the tub in the upper portion ofthe fluid. This disc is curved outwardly and upwardly as shown in Fig. 3, with a concave lower surface, and in the form of I the machine shown, is-positioned to operate below the surface of the body of washing fluid. During operation, disc l3 functions to project fluid and the articles therein, outwardly toward the wall of the tub. Upon reaching or nearing the wall of the tub,

the fluid and the articles will be forced to flow downwardly toward the bottom of the tub due to the action of the bottom disc f3 and H as previously described. I v

The discs on thewashing element should be 1 spaced apart a distance sufilcient to allow each disc to fully perform its intended function. Although two pumping discs IB and II are shown,

'a single disc of this character may be used where less vigorous circulation is desired.

The carrying and operating mechanism for the washing element illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3 includes a vertically disposed shaft 20 arranged and supported to be rapidly reciprocated and upon which the discs Hi to I9-are mounted. A supporting collar 2! is secured to the shaft 20 in an appropriate position to support the discs ltto It in spaced relationship with the bottom of the tub. -The discs It to ill may be integral or oner more may be separate from one or more of the others. The hubs of the discs may I'll be of sufficient axial length to provide the desiredspa'oing between their outer edges. The nut and washer indicated 22, or other means, may be employed for engaging the upper end of the hub of the uppermost; disc It to secure all the discs in position on the shaft 20. Various portions of the shaft may have different diameters as illustrated in Fig. 3.

The washing element is arranged so as to prevent splashing of the fluid in the tub during operation of the machine. One such arrangemgent is illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3 and constitutes a member designated 23 which is partly submerged in the fluid when the washing ele-.

ment is in normal or intermediate position as indicated in Fig. 3, and is constructed and disposed so that durin movement of the washing element it will not strike or slap the surface of the fluid. Specifically, this non-splashing means in the form shown, includes an inverted alumiwith its closed spherically shaped upper end secured to the upper end of shaft 20- by suitable means such as screw 24. Aluminum is desirable for this purpose because of its light weight,

pounding of the surface of the water in consequence of which there will be no splashing. With an arrangement of this character, the washing machine may be operated with the cover I3 of the tub open without spilling or splashing any of the treating fluid.

'A feature of the invention is the elimination of the necessity for a packing gland between the washing element and the tub. In the form of invention shown in Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive, such means constitutes a diaphragm 25 which is circular in form and is secured at its central portion-to the shaft 20 of the washing element and at its outer peripheral portion to the bottom it of the tub. This diaphragm may be rubber or rubber composition, or rubber reinforced material, preferably such as will withstand the great number of flexings to which it will be subjected in use. Certain fabrics may be suitable for the gurpose and certain metals may also be used num cup-shaped shell having its lower end in contact with the upper portion of disc I9 and such as corrugated spring metal. Preferably the diaphragm is of corrugated form in cross-sec-' tion, as shown in Fig. 3, that is to say, the intermediate portion of the diaphragm may consist of a series of concentrically disposed and connected ridges presenting on either side, alternating concave and convex surfaces. The diaphragm should be sufficiently large in area so that flexing will not impose too severe a strain on any portion thereof. The hub 26 of the dia-.

phragm is preferably of frustoconical configuration on both sides, as shown in Fig. 3, so that securing members having cooperating wedging surfaces may be ,employed to wedge the hub against. the shaft 20 and thereby prevent leakage of fluid between the shaft and the diaphragm. As shown. a collar 21 is fixed to the shaft in the desired position by means of a set 1 screw 28. The upper part of this collar has a cup-shaped portion with walls whichfunction to wedge the hub against the shaft and which receives the lower part of the hub of the diaphragm. A threaded sleeve 29 having a screw collar 3|) threaded thereon is then positioned immediately above the hub and is locked in place on the shaft by a set screw 3|. 30 may then be turned down against the hub of the diaphragm until the hub is forced against the shaft with the desired degree of pressure. The outer peripheral portion of the diaphragm is secured to the bottom ll of the tub by clamping-rings 32 and 33 or other suitable. means. The diaphragm is pressed or squeezed against the tub and between one of the clamping rings by the screws 34 or other means. With this arrangement it will be perceived that a fluid tight connection is provided between the reciprocating washing element and the tub. This arrange- Screw collar ment is highly advantageous because of its great simplicity and because it provides a joint between the washing element and the tub in which there are no parts which slide relative to each other, so that adjustments are unnecessary and leakage is entirely prevented.

Another feature of the invention is the biasing of the washing element and its operating mechanism to prevent noise or knocking of the operating parts of the machine. during operation where any looseness of the parts exists. One such means for accomplishing this purpose is shown in Figs. 3 and 4, and comprises a spiral spring 35 having its central portion secured to the shaft and its outer peripheral-portion secured to the tub or framework of the machine or other stationary part thereof. A spring ring 36 or other suitable means may be employed for securing this biasing spring in position. In operation, it will be perceivedthat whenever the washing element or shaft 20 is displaced from its normal position, shown in Fig. 3, spring will impose a force upon the shaft 20 and the operating mechanism connected thereto, so that as the shaft moves into and out of its extreme positions of movement, that is to say, as the shaft 20 reaches the upper and lower limits of its stroke and thereafter moves toward its normal position, the biasing spring will prevent ashifting of the position of one or more of the ele-' ments of the operating mechanism in their bearings if any looseness or play is present in these bearings, thereby preventing any tendency toward knocking. The diaphragm 25 acts per se to a certain extent as an elastic biasing element and in some circumstances a diaphragm arranged in accordance with the invention may be sumcient to produce the required biasing action.

In the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4, the machine is operated by an electric motor 40 through suitable means by which the speed of the washing element may be varied.

As shown, such means constitutes a belt drive H from the motor to a pulley 42 on operating shaft 43. Fixed to shaft 43 is an eccentric and strap 44 having an arm 45 which is pivotally connected to one end of a lever 46 pivoted at its center 41 to provide equal lever arms. The

other end of lever 46 is pivoted at 48 to a connecting arm 49 to the other end 50 of which is pivoted a lever 5| fulcrumed at 52 at its its center to provide equal lever arms. Arm 53 of lever tar-weight 58 is supported on, or fixed to, connecting arm 49 which connects levers 45 and 5|. The mass of this counter-weight 58 is adequate to counter-balance all unbalanced .forces due to the reciprocation of the washing element. In this instance this weight should be equal to the weight of the washing element assembly including all parts connected to or supported on the washing element and the shaft 20. With thisarrangement the center of gravity of the entire machine is maintained in a fixed position during operation, so that the machine may be operated without vibration.

In the driving or operating mechanism shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the stroke of the washing element is fixed, but its rate of reciprocation may be varied simply by altering the sizes of the pulleys 0n the motor shaft and the operating shaft 43, in the well known manner.

In Fig. 5 the diaphragm and the spiral biasing spring are combined in a single member. In the form shown, the diaphragm 60 has embedded within it a spiral biasing spring 6|. The function and operation of this unit is the same as the function and operation of the separate diaphragm 25 and biasing spring 35 disclosed in Figs. 1' to 4, excepting that the biasing spring serves to support and reinforce the diaphragm.

In Fig. 6 two separate biasing springs are employed to perform the function of the single biasing spring 35 or 5!. In this instance the shaft 20 is provided with a movable or removable collar 62 which may be fixed in position on washing element shaft 20 and the machine is provided with suitable supporting framework indicated 53 so that coil springs 64 and may 5! is forked and has its ends connected to a is mounted on reciprocating shaft 20 andmay be fixed in a suitable position thereon by a set screw 56 or other means. The washing element assembly including the shaft 20 and the diaphragm 25 and biasing spring 35 may be removed from the machine by loosening set screw 56 and removing the screws 34 which secure the diaphragm to the tub. With this arrangement, all .the discs of the washing element may be readily removed as a unit, after which the diaphragm may be removed for inspection, repair or replacement, without the necessity for removing the shaft 20. In this instance, all unbalanced forces produced during operation of the machine are counter-balanced so as to eliminate vibration. As shown, the eccentric and strap 44 are balanced by a counter-weight 51 fixed to shaft 43. This counter-weight is adequate in mass and is so positioned with respect to the eccentric and strap that all forces with be maintained in the position illustrated in Fig.

6. With this arrangement it will be apparent that on the upstroke of' the washing element and shaft 20 from normal position, biasing spring 54 will be ,eperative for the purpose intended and as previously described, and on the downstroke from normal position, biasing spring 65 will be operative.

Forms of washing elements other than those disclosed in Figs. 1 and 3 may be employed, if desired.

Actual tests have indicated that very satisfactory results are obtained with a machine constructed and arranged as disclosed in Figs. 1' to 4 inclusive, with the washing element 'ar-' ranged as shown in these figures. With about 18 gallons of warm water and 4 ounces of soap in the tub and 12-pounds of soiled, dry clothes,

. and with the washing element reciprocating at the rate of 600 strokes per minute with a 1 /2 inch stroke, a perfect wash was obtained in 20 minutes of operation of the machine. The dimensions of the discs of the washing element in this instance were as follows; the lower cups IB- and I! had outside diameters of Ginches, and were 1 inches in depth, disc 18 had an outside diameter of '7 inches and top disc'l9 had an outside diameter of 5 inches. The cups were spaced about 2 inches apart on the sleeve supporting them. During the operation of the machine, the water and the clothes continuously circulated in the tub in the direction indicated by the direction lines in Fig. 1 of the drawings, and in the manner previously described in connection with'Fig. 1.

Although'the washing elements disclosed herein are centrally or axially disposed in the tub,

it will be understood that; other positions of the washing element in the tub will produce satisfactory results.

The washing elements constructed and operated aspreviously described produce a pulsating unidirectional ,flow of fluid. This character of flow is due to the fact that the discs of the washing element constitute fluid propelling proencounter different degrees of resistance to their passage through the fluid. With an element constructed and arranged as illustrated in Figs. 1

and 3, for example, the discs encounter less resistance on their downward movement than on their upward movement, which is due primarily to their shape, specifically their upwardly inclined circumferential surfaces. This action is present whether the discs are of rigid material and construction or of flexible material or construction. When, however. the discs are of flexa series of short, fast jerks past the scrubbing edges which shake, flex and briskly rub the fabrics and propel them through the scrubbing 4 zone and then outwardly, after which they are carried by the currents of fluid to points in the tub where they begin a new cycle., Throughout the process of washing,'the fluid continuously pulsates back and forth through the meshes of the fabric thereby loosening the dirt preparatory to its removal in the scrubbing zone. Whereas a steady pull would not loosen an article entangled in a mass, a series 'of fast, short jerks such as produced by the machine of my invention, readily does so.

Inasmuch as the rate and direction of circulation of the fluid, the intensity of the washing of tub, such as rectangular, in which case the I jections, the upper and lower surfaces of which action, and other factors depend upon the shape,

size, number and relative position and inclina tion of the surfaces of the discs as well as upon the operating speed of the washing element, it

will be readily perceived that any or all of these factors may be modified as desired to meet any particular requirements.

In the embodiments -of the invention herein disclosed, the washing element performs both the'washing and fluid propelling functions.

Due. to the unique character of the circulatory motion obtained in the machine of my invention in the formsdisclosed in Fig. 1, the shape of the tub is immaterial, and rounded corners or inclined walls or the like. are unnecessary, be-

cause 'during operation," the clothes or other articles discharged upwardly and outwardly upon fluid circulation obtained during operation of the washing elements shown in Figs. 1 and 3 may be reversed merely by inverting the surfaces of the discs of the washing elements.

In the embodiments of the invention herein disclosed, the washing element is op'eratedin a substantially cylindrical tub, but the washing element may be shaped to suit any other shape washing element may consist of rigid or elastic strips of a configuration to conform to the shape of the tub to produce uniform circulation of fluid throughout the tub.

It will be obvious that changes may be made in the form, location, relative arrangement and the materials of'the several parts of the machine disclosed without. departing from the principles of the invention. Accordingly no intention is entertained to limit the invention except by the scope of the appended claims;

What is claimed is:

1. In apparatus for treating articles with comprising a tub having a reciprocating element therein carried by an operating shaft and means for reciprocating the shaftfind the element, elastic biasing means comprising a spiral spring surrounding and acting upon said shaft and tending to prevent shifting of position of one or more. parts of said reciprocating means to thereby prevent knocking.

2. In apparatus for treating articles with fluid comprising a tub having a reciprocating element in the tub carried by an operating shaft and means for reciprocating theshaft and the element,, the shaft having a portion extending through an opening in a wall of the tub, a diaphragm closingsaid opening and having its outer peripheral .portion secured in fluid tight relationship to the tub and its inner peripheral portion secured in fluid tight relationship to said shaft, said diaphragm having elastic biasing means which acts upon said shaft andtends to prevent shifting of position of one or more parts of said reciprocating means to thereby prevent knocking.

3. In apparatus for treating articles with fluid comprising a tub having a reciprocating element in the tub carried by an operating shaft and means for reciprocating the shaft and the ele-' ment, said shaft having a portion extending through an opening in a wall of the tub, a diaphragm closing said opening and having its outer peripheral-portion secured in fluid tight relationsaid diaphragm having a spiral spring embedded therein which acts upon said shaft and tends to prevent shifting of position of one or more parts of said reciprocating means to thereby prevent knocking.

4. In apparatus for treating articles with fluid comprising a tub having a reciprocating element in the tub carried by an operating shaft and means for reciprocating the shaft and the element, said shaft having a portion extending through an opening in a wall of the tub, a diaphragm closing said opening and having its outer peripheral portion secured in fluid tight relationship to the tub and its inner peripheral portion secured in fluid tight relationship to said shaft, and a spiral spring acting upon and surrounding said shaft to prevent shifting of position of one or more parts of said reciprocating means to thereby prevent knocking.

5. In apparatus for treating'articles with fluid comprising a tub having a lineally reciprocating fluid propelling element in the tub carried by an operating shaft and means for reciprocating the ,shaft and the element, said shaft having a portion extending through an opening in a wall of the tub, a diaphragm closing said opening and extending substantially normally to the shaft and having its outer peripheral portion secured in fluid tight relationship to the tub and its inner peripheral portion secured in fluid tight relationship to said shaft, and at least one coil spring acting upon and surrounding said shaft to prevent shifting of position of one or more parts of said reciprocating means to thereby prevent knocking.

6. In apparatus for treating articles with fluid comprisingv a tub having a lineally reciprocating fluid propelling element therein carried by an operating shaft and means for reciprocating the shaftand the element, a stationary member connected to the apparatus, and a spring surrounding and acting upon said shaft and having a portion operatively connected to the shaft and another portion connected to said stationary member and tending to prevent shifting of position of one or more parts of said reciprocating means to thereby prevent knocking.

7. In apparatus for treating articles with fluid comprising a tub having a lineally reciprocating fiuid propelling element in the tub carried by an 7 operating shaft and means for reciprocating the shaft and the element, said shaft having a portion extending through an opening in a wall of the tub, a diaphragm closing said opening and extending substantially normally to the shaft and having its outer peripheral portion secured in fluid-tight relationship to the tub and its inner peripheral portion secured in fluid-tight relationship to said shaft, a stationary member connected to the apparatus, and a biasing spring acting upon and surrounding said shaft and having a portion operatively connected to the shaft andanother portion connected to said stationary member to prevent shifting of position of one or more parts of said reciprocating means to thereby prevent knocking.

GEORGE KUHN. 

